Glossary: M

M
Macule: A lesion that is not elevated above the surface.
MC1R: The melanocortin-1 receptor (Mc1r) is one of the key proteins in regulating skin color. A member of the G-protein-coupled receptor family of proteins, it functions at the surface of specialist pigment producing cells (called melanocytes) to regulate melanogenesis in mammals.
Melanocyte: Any of the dendritic clear cells of the epidermis located in the bottom layer of the skin that synthesize the pigment melanin; the melanosomes are then transferred from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
Metaplasia: The change from one type of cell to another is generally caused by some sort of abnormal stimulus.
Metastasize: To spread, especially destructively, forming new foci of disease in a distant part by metastasis.
Micrographic: Having graphic texture distinguishable only with the aid of a microscope.
Micrometastasis: The spread of cancer cells from the primary site with the secondary tumors too small to be clinically detected.
Micronodular: Of or characterized by the presence of minute nodules.
Microsatellites: small spreading lesions, each one follows or adheres to another
Mohs' micrographic surgery: A surgical technique in which successive rings of skin tissue are removed and examined under a microscope to ensure that no cancer is left.
Morphoeic: hardened.
Morphology: The study of the structure and form without consideration of function.
Mucosal: Pertaining to (mucous membrane), a membrane, composed of epithelium that lines the cavities and other canals of the body that communicate with external environment through natural orifices.
Multifocal: Arising from or pertaining to many foci.
Musculoskeletal: the system of muscles and tendons and ligaments and bones and joints and associated tissues that move the body and maintain its form.
mutation:A change of the DNA sequence within a gene or chromosome of an organism resulting in the creation of a new character or trait not found in the parental type.